Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Be a Part of Patterson's Legacy

Be a part of Patterson's legacy and help celebrate the City's 100th birthday by donating to the Centennial Mural!

All donors' names to be printed on the Centennial Mural bronze plaque that will be placed next to the mural for all to see for generations to come.

Click here to download a donation form, Mural Sponsor Letter.pdf or visit patterson100.org.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Colton Dennis at, colton@pattersonrep.org, or 209.872.0430.

The Mural Committee appreciates your generous donation! Thank you for supporting Patterson's 100th Birthday and the arts in our community.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Patterson Rep's 5th Annual Art & Wine Gala

Come enjoy an evening of art, fine wine, hors d'oeuvers and live music while celebrating Patterson's Centennial and supporting Patterson Repertory Theatre!

Music by Rachael Renae, Sal Mayoral and Elvis Allicock, and a performance by MASA Club.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the event. Tickets can be bought at City Hall, Blues Cafe, Coldwell Banker & Associates, the Patterson Irrigator or call 209.892.6187. Proceeds to benefit Patterson Repertory Theatre.

Saturday, April 18, 2009, from 6 pm to 10 pm in Downtown Patterson at City Hall, US Bank & Tri Counties Bank.

Any artists interested in showing art may call Heidi Vento at 209.484.4355 or Colton Dennis at 209.892.6187. Or download the forms here,
Registration form, and here, Letter of Understanding.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Monday, March 9, 2009

Arts and The Del Puerto Theater

Arts and culture enhance every aspect of life, improving our economy, enriching our civic life and exerting a profound influence on the education of our children. Arts and culture have been the genesis of the revitalization of downtowns in many communities. They create community pride and provide a sense of uniqueness and identity, and they can do the same for us here in Patterson, while keeping our unique history and culture.

The exhibition and performance of the arts can provide a catalyst for economic growth, cultural tourism and community development. From the standpoint of enhancing reputation and economic development, being known as a place that promotes arts and culture is a real advantage for any city, large or small. And by promoting vibrancy in the arts, we encourage a positive self-image for our community. We make everyone's life better by bringing the arts closer to us.

Among our children, the arts promote positive social development and encourage exploration and creativity. Exposure to the arts improves academic skills essential for reading and language development and helps all children lead richer, fuller lives. Arts develop an awareness of different ways of perceiving and thinking, and build respect for other viewpoints, cultures and heritages, promoting tolerance; which engenders a team-oriented and collaborative environment.

But the arts aren’t just for kids. The arts enhance the quality of life for everyone.

I am excited to hear that we are considering forming a Downtown Theatre Task Force that will look into revitalizing the old Del Puerto Theater. I have always believed it would be a great community arts center where we can present live theatre and live music, a gallery for local artists, as well as, a place for town hall meetings, banquets and receptions. It can be an anchor for our downtown; attracting people to frequent our shops and even bring us more shops and restaurants to our historic downtown.

As with many other cities that have renovated their old movie theaters into arts centers (such as, Newman, Turlock, Modesto, Merced, Tracy), it won’t happen over night. It may take years and lots of ‘sweat-equity’ to bring the old Del Puerto back to its full grandeur. But it is better for us to begin now, because the sooner we start, the sooner we can liven up and revitalize our downtown.

With the success of our Repertory Theatre, our Youth Theatre, and our Art and Wine Gala, with the Del Puerto Art Group, two dance companies, Band Night at the Teen Center and Movies in the Park, it’s time to bring the old Del Puerto Theater back.

Arts in Our Economy

  • Contribute $5.4 billion to California's economy

  • Create 66,300 full-time jobs and 95,100 part-time jobs

  • Generate $300 million in state and local tax

  • Attract 71.2 million in annual attendance and attract 6 million out of town tourists